COST:

Join us for a unique tour experience as we kayak the Buffalo River at twilight, and end with a river view of the fireworks at the Buffalo Bisons game. The best way to appreciate Buffalo’s resurgent waterfront is from the water! From a kayaking perspective, the massive scale of the grain elevators and silos will be even more awe-inspiring. This tour of the Buffalo River is provided in partnership with Elevator Alley Kayak, who will provide the kayaks for this urban adventure tour. Learn about the history of the grain elevators in Buffalo and have many terrific photo opportunities on this guided kayak tour!

Meet at Elevator Alley Kayak at The Barrel Factory at 65 Vandalia Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 – at the corner of Hamburg and Republic Streets, across from Gene McCarthy’s. The tour will launch from Mutual Riverfront Park, a one-block walk from The Barrel Factory.

Kayak rental is included in the tour price. All kayaks used on this tour must be from Elevator Alley Kayak; bringing your own kayak is not permitted. Lights for each kayak are provided for this tour for safety and compliance with maritime safety regulations.

Important Information:

This tour is approximately two and a half hours in length, including time at the beginning of the tour to review basic kayaking technique and launch the kayaks.

Tour participants must be able to kayak approximately four miles, from Mutual Riverfront Park to Canalside and back.

Reservations are required for this tour as a limited number of kayaks are available.

Please print your reservation confirmation email, or be prepared to show it on your phone, for tour check-in.

The minimum age for this tour is 14 years old.

Cameras are encouraged but please note that there is a good chance they may get wet!

Footwear: Avoid shoes that have laces or straps that could get tangled in the foot rests of your kayak. Sandals and water shoes that fasten securely are your best option. Water shoes from brands like Columbia Sportswear and Teva also have drainage ports to expel water and dry quickly. In colder water, wool or fleece socks can be worn in addition to your shoes for increased warmth (avoid cotton socks). Wool socks are generally warmer, but fleece socks dry more quickly.

Headgear: No helmet is required but you will want to bring a hat to shield you from the sun along with sunglasses (polarized are better) to reduce the glare. You’ll also want a strap to prevent accidents.

Other clothing: Long sleeve shirt and pants with UV protection and wicking type material are best – avoid cotton and other absorbent fabrics. Wool is great for cold weather.

Other accessories: A dry bag to protect your valuables from getting wet is highly recommended. You won’t fall in but you will get splashed. Ziplock bags work as a cheap alternative. Sunscreen is one of the most important things to bring; waterproof sunscreen is best.

Weather cancellation: The tour will proceed with light rain; in the event of heavy rain or more serious weather, the tour will be canceled and you may either transfer your reservation to a different date or have your payment refunded.

Visitors, residents, and students of all ages are invited to experience Buffalo’s unique architectural and historical legacy up-close with the expert volunteers of Explore Buffalo, dedicated to providing the city’s friendliest, most comprehensive, best informed tours.